The Hospice Social Worker is responsible for the implementation of standards of care for medical social work services and for adherence to all conditionsIn the Service or Employment Agreement which include providing care based on the Social Work Practice Act.
Essential Functions:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
functions:
• Assesses the psychosocial status of patients and families/caregivers related to the patient's terminal illness and environment and communicates findings to the registered nurse and other members of the interdisciplinary group. Provides an assessment in the patient's identified residence and assistance when this is not safe and another plan is required.
• Carries out social evaluation, including family dynamics, caregiver abilities, communication patterns, high-risk for suicide, neglect or abuse.
• Assess for, and educates interdisciplinary group, on any special needs related to the culture of the patient and family.
• Maintains clinical records on all patients referred to social work
• Educates patients and families on and assists with advanced directives
• Provides Information to patients and families/caregivers on community agencies.
• Serves as liaison between patients, families/caregivers and community agencies.
• Maintains collaborative relationships with organization personnel to support patient care.
• Participates in the development of the individualized plan of care, involving the patient and family, and attends regularly scheduled interdisciplinary group meetings, assisting the team in recognizing the effects of the psychosocial stresses on the symptoms of the terminal illness.
• Assists physician and other team members in understanding significant social and emotion- al factors related to health problems and death/dying issues.
• Actively participates in quality assessment performance improvement teams and activities.
• Assists family and patient in planning for funeral arrangements, financial, legal, and health care decision responsibilities.
Work Environment/Physical Requirements
The employee must be a licensed driver with an automobile that is in good working order and insured in accordance with the organization requirements. The employee may experience a change in work conditions related to weather issues, traveling in rain, snow, etc., and must be able to adapt to the work environment to meet patient care needs.
Required Education and Experience
• Graduate of a Bachelor's or Master’s program in social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Meets personnel qualifications stated in §418.114(b)(3).
• Minimum of one (1) years’ experience in health care (hospice experience preferred)
• Experience working with death and dying, individuals/families/caregivers.
Preferred Education and Experience
• Ability to work as member of interdisciplinary group.
• Comfort in an interfaith setting
• Ability to accept different lifestyles, cultures, beliefs, and values.
• Ability to network with community clergy and congregations.
• Knowledge of and commitment to hospice philosophy of care